Today we’d like to introduce you to Andreina Madriz.
Andreina, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
What would you think if I told you I spent most of my years waiting for something incredible to happen? I am twenty-one years old, and yes, I spent about fifteen years of my life looking for something “special” in me. Of course, it would sound like I am talking about “Encanto” the Disney Movie, but no, this was my real life. Everything started when I was a little girl, always finding something to get myself entertained; running, painting, playing around, everything a regular kid would do. My parents played a huge role in this story, you see. Even though I was a super shy girl, I used to make friends very quickly; therefore my parents tried to take me out of my comfort zone multiple times so that I was not scared of the world. They signed me up for all the activities you could imagine (tennis, painting, dance, theater, swimming, etc.). I ended up signing out as soon as I could. I enjoyed it, not going to lie, but as I told my mom it was not something I was passionate about, I wanted to keep trying things until I could find that “special” thing I was looking for. Back in Venezuela, my father used to work as a photographer and sometimes took me to his job, these were honestly the best memories of my childhood. I always thought I was just fascinated by the fact that I was helping my dad on his job, but after many years I realized this was deeper than that. He never had the chance to even dream of making a living out of photography; back then, it was ten times harder to even have the idea in mind. Maybe because it was not affordable or maybe even worse, the way people saw it, “It is not a real career, a real job” who knows? We moved to the United States when I was only thirteen years old.
Since I was introverted, it was so hard for me to learn the new language, it took me almost three years to have a word coming out of my mouth; not because I did not know, but because I was too scared of speaking at loud. I was never the kind of girl that would raise her hand in class or start a conversation. Somehow I felt my shyness took me out of so many opportunities. At one point, I was done with my research, exhausted from trying, and tired of overlooking. I started living and enjoying life the way I could, not worrying anymore about all of those obstacles I was setting up in my mind. I told myself I was too young to worry, time will come, and it happened exactly like that. I had something in from of my eyes and did not want to realize. My “special” thing as I used to call it, was always knocking at my door, and it was impossible for me to see it. People started to compliment my photos, especially my family. My mom turned into my biggest fan since the very beginning and my sister became my supermodel, even though I was doing it just for fun. More people started to see my photos and compliment them too, it was crazy how I was so blind to see my talent. Each time I added more and more until I decided to begin in this photography industry. I am so fascinated just by the fact it changed my life completely in all aspects; I definitely found my “special” thing. Somehow I feel I am accomplishing my dreams and the dream of my father too. As I always say, I am the girl who quit hiding her magic.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Well, let me tell you, every small business is a rollercoaster; it comes along with its ups and downs. Sometimes people in this industry do not take you seriously just because you are “too young” to have a business. However, I am sure the new generation is coming full of dreams and successful ideas, we are entrepreneurs. I am a dreamer, I try not to lose my path, I set my goals and reach for the stars; so even if the road is not smooth, I will not let myself down. Also, I am grateful I have the support of many people around me, if you are reading this, thank you, you are part of this journey and your support is more than appreciated.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Since I started in this industry, I knew there was a whole world to discover. Therefore, I dedicated time to work in many different photography branches, I wanted to try myself and get to know more about each one of them. I tried different styles, such as portraits, maternity, holidays, brands, fashion, and newborns; just to mention some. Even though I enjoy working with all of these photography styles, my favorite ones are portraits, fashion, and brands. I am known for being a girl photographer in town, working for my dreams, and starting my own business at a pretty young age. I am beyond proud of the woman I have become, the one that follows her heart and not only her thoughts. What sets me apart from others? That is a great question, I feel since I was very shy before, I know exactly how it feels to be in your comfort zone and never get out of it, even if you want to. But, I also know the feeling of coming out from it. It is special. I love to make people have that feeling, I am super creative, I will make you enjoy the time of the photoshoot; it will be an experience. I always encourage you to quit hiding your magic. In addition, something special about me is that I will find a way to always make the photoshoots different from the ones I have done, I like to make them unique, it helps me to keep my creativity flowing and growing. Photography is my passion, I am glad I realized it. To conclude, I am speechless of the feeling of working in something you love and creating unforgettable memories that will mark people’s lives is beyond the limit.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nishoots_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nishoots
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@nishoots_
Image Credits
NĀELI Naturals, Fabiola Madriz, Valeria Reyes, Sindy Landinez, Valeria Maggiolo, Mariana Rincon, Gabriela Goitia.
